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Occupational therapy for Children and young people

Occupation is important for children’s development, health and well-being.  A key function of occupational therapy is enabling children and young people to participate in the daily activities (occupations) that they need or want to do.  

Some children and young people have difficulty doing the activities that are important to them at home, at school or work or in their free time because they have physical, learning or mental health needs. Others struggle because of an illness, family circumstances or because of changes that happen as they grow and develop. 

There are three groups of childhood occupations:

  • self-care activities – things people do to look after themselves, like getting dressed, eating and using the toilet
  • productive occupations – the activities children and young people do at nursery, school or work
  • play and leisure activities including playing with friends and doing sports or hobbies

Occupational therapy with children and young people

As occupational therapists our role is to help children and young people develop, achieve and enjoy everyday life by:

  • identifying the occupations they do well and those they find difficult
  • identifying the personal, environmental and task-specific factors that help or limit children’s participation and enjoyment 
  • finding ways to make it easier for children and young people to carry out the occupations that matter to them. We do this by recommending different ways of doing things, teaching new skills, using alternative equipment, or changing the environment.   

Types and levels of occupational therapy support

Children and young people may need different types of support from an occupational therapist at different times. 

Universal support: This is available for anyone who needs it - you don’t have to be referred to occupational therapy to benefit. Universal support is available on occupational therapy websites or social media and covers common areas of interest such as tying shoelaces, getting organised and riding a bike. Universal support also includes training by occupational therapists for parents, carers, teachers and others on areas such as supporting children’s well-being and encouraging physical activity
 
Targeted needs: Often delivered in partnership with others, targeted interventions address the needs of children and young people whose mental health, physical and/or cognitive outcomes are at risk. Targeted interventions include groups and workshops for young people, families and professionals, and adapting activities, equipment and environments to enable young people to participate and achieve. Targeted interventions may prevent difficulties from escalating, reducing the need for more intense, specialist interventions later on.
 

Specialist needs: For children and young people with the most complex needs and circumstances. Some individuals require a period of direct intervention to address a particular need. Others benefit from specialist input to monitor and adjust interventions as their complex needs change and/or at times of transition. Adopting a strengths-based approach helps individuals and families develop skills and confidence to manage their own occupational needs.

Occupational therapy: Unlocking the potential of children and young people

This report explains how the universal, targeted and specialist intervention framework can be used to ensure children and young people can access occupational therapy skills and expertise when they need it. It includes case studies demonstrating the role that occupational therapists play in improving the lives of children and young people with physical, learning and mental health needs.

Quick guide for occupational therapists: Diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder in children and adults

This RCOT guide describes the role of occupational therapy in the assessment and diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children and adults. It will be of interest to occupational therapists, other members of the multidisciplinary team and service commissioners. Members of the public seeking an assessment or diagnosis of DCD for themselves or a family member may also be interested. 

Children and Young People's Occupational Therapy Surveys

In 2021 and 2022 we carried out surveys to understand the impact of the pandemic on children’s access to occupational therapy and the delivery of occupational therapy services.

The 2023 survey builds on these findings to understand how occupational therapy for children and young people is currently organised and delivered.

We want to make sure children, young people and families have access to appropriate, timely support. So we’ll be using the findings to guide our work and conversations with policymakers and service commissioners.

Children and young people's occupational therapy surveys

Children and young people's occupational therapy survey 2023

In July 2023 we carried out a survey of children’s occupational therapists working in the UK. We wanted to understand how occupational therapy services for children and young people are organised and delivered, and what if anything is making it difficult for children and young people to access or benefit from OT support. This builds on surveys carried out in 2021 and 2022, helping us to monitor children’s access to occupational therapy over time. This report is for children’s occupational therapists, OT service managers, commissioners, policy makers and others with an interest in children’s occupational therapy services.

The online survey was open from 22 June – 31 July 2023. Valid responses were received from 698 children’s occupational therapists, more than double the number who responded in 2022. Respondents were occupational therapists working with children and young people in the UK. They had roles in NHS community teams, social care, independent practice, child and adolescent mental health services, hospitals, schools, in third sector organisations and elsewhere.

Children and young people's occupational therapy survey 2022

In 2021, we carried out a survey to understand the impact of COVID-19 on children’s access to occupational therapy. Our new survey, carried out in July 2022, describes the situation 12 months on. The report describes barriers affecting children's access to occupational therapy as we move on from the pandemic, and makes recommendations to ensure children and young people with additional learning needs and/or disabilities can access the right occupational therapy at the right time as demand, needs and workforce pressures increase.

Children and young people's occupational therapy survey 2021

In July 2021 we surveyed RCOT members to find out why children and young people were struggling to access occupational therapy. This report describes the barriers identified and makes recommendations to improve children’s access to support that meets their needs as we move on from the pandemic. 

DoE guidance: Delivery of specialist 1:1 and group interventions for children and young people in education settings

This note, created in partnership with specialist services (including RCOT), sets out expectations regarding the delivery of direct interventions for children and young people in schools.

Weighted blankets for children and adults

We’ve updated our guide to help occupational therapists make decisions about the use of weighted blankets with children and adults. Members of the public considering weighted blankets for their personal use may also be interested.

Towards a better understanding of sensory approaches

This presentation was given as part of a Council for Disabled Children webinar exploring different approaches to sensory support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in November 2021. The presentation examines terminology, a tiered approach to sensory interventions, training and qualifications, the evidence base and addressing sensory needs as part of an occupation-centred approach.